The Burnaby school district had to step in and quell rumours swirling at Burnaby North Secondary after some death threat graffiti was found on a bathroom stall earlier this month.
The graffiti was discovered on Dec. 3, and RCMP were notified the following day, according to school district superintendent Kevin Kaardal.
Kaardal could not say exactly what the graffiti said, as it’s now a police matter, but the person who wrote it was found and is receiving help.
But that didn’t stop the rumours from circulating, and on Friday, Dec. 13, the district sent a letter home to parents, explaining what had happened. According to Kaardal, the rumours were inaccurate, and the district letter indicated that steps were taken to ensure student safety and that the person who wrote the threats was found and receiving help.
On Monday, some kids chose not to come to school, likely accounting for a dip in overall school attendance.
“It was a non-specific threat, and it was more about self-harm than anything else. To make a long story short, those rumours took on a life of their own, we felt we needed to issue a letter to allay fears,” Kaardal said. “And on Monday, of course some kids chose not to come.”
“Generally when you have non specific threats, it’s not an issue it’s really just a cry for help from a student,” Kaardal added.
Const. Yvonne Javorovic, the school liaison officer for Burnaby North, was only able to offer limited information as the matter is still ongoing.
“The individual was identified, and he is receiving the help he needs from our partners and agencies in the community,” she said, adding that she couldn’t specify what was written. “We take all threats seriously. Our main priority is the students are safe at school.”
Javorovic couldn’t say whether police would recommend charges.
